Back to Business Grants

$25 Million Available for New Businesses Launched in 2020  or 2021 - Applications open Nov. 30!

If your business opened between January 2020 and December 2021 and is in an industry that was particularly impacted by the pandemic - your business may be eligible for up to $30,000 in a new grant available through B2B Grant for New Businesses. Applications open November 30^th!

On November 16, Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) announced $25 million in available grant funding through the Back to Business (B2B) NewBiz program. The grant, funded by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA)- is designed to provide additional support for businesses in hard-hit sectors who launched during the pandemic.

With a business start date between January 2020 and December 2021, brick and mortar businesses can receive up to $30,000 and home-based businesses can receive up to $10,000.

To qualify for the B2B NewBiz program, businesses must have launched between January 2020 and December 2021 and be in an industry that was particularly impacted by the pandemic (as outlined here: ( Priority Industry Definitions | Illinois B2B New Biz ) or a business that was started by an individual or individuals that became unemployed during the pandemic. Eligible funding amounts are based on when the business was established and whether the business is home-based or operating out of a “brick-and-mortar” establishment.

Applications are open from November 30 - January 11, 2024, and awards are expected to be made several weeks after the deadline date. All eligible applicants will receive a grant as long as the business meeting eligibility requirements and submits proper documentation and attestations.

For more details and to apply, go to https://b2bnewbiz.com/

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Illinois' New Paid Leave Law - Effective Jan. 1

Illinois Employers Are Required to Provide Up to 40 Hours of Paid Leave

Effective January 1, 2024, the Paid Leave for All Workers Act mandates that nearly all Illinois employers provide covered employees up to 40 hours of paid leave per 12-month period. Under the Act, the employee is not required to provide notice, a reason or documentation for using up to the 40 hours of paid time off, and the time off cannot be denied by the employer. This applies to full-time, part-time, seasonal and internship positions. Note:  The accrual rate under the law is one hour for every 40 hours worked. Part-time employees are also entitled to some paid time off based on the number of hours they worked.

Governor Pritzker signed SB208 into law in March 2023, making Illinois the third state in the nation, and the first in the Midwest, to mandate paid time off to be use for any reason. The historic legislation provides employees with up to 40 hours of paid leave during a 12-month period - meaning approximately 1.5 million workers will begin earning paid time off starting in January 2024.

For informative webinars regarding the new law (on Dec. 7, Dec. 21, Jan. 11, Jan. 12) go to:  https://labor.illinois.gov/laws-rules/paidleave.html

For helpful Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) go to: https://labor.illinois.gov/faqs/paidleavefaq.html

If you would like to submit a question or comment to inform the Illinois Dept. of Labor's outreach and compliance assistance efforts, email  DOL.PaidLeave@illinois.gov

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'EDGE' Tax Credits for Startups

Economic Development for a Growing Economy - A Program Providing Corporate Tax Credits

The EDGE program provide an incentive to businesses to support job creation, capital investment, and improve the standard of living for all Illinois residents.

The IL Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity and World Business Chicago invite you to discover how the EDGE for Startups program can transform your business on Thursday, December 7, 2023, at 11:00 AM via WebEx.

Learn about eligibility, application processes, tax incentives, and more to support job creation and investment in Illinois. This webinar caters to both emerging startups and established businesses seeking expansion. Additionally, don't miss out on the Back to Business (B2B) grant program, offering grants up to $30k for businesses established in 2020 or 2021, with an application deadline of January 11th. 

For details and upcoming webinars, click here:  Economic Development for a Growing Economy Tax Credit Program (EDGE) - Incentives (illinois.gov)

Ensure you have the required documents for the B2B grant application, including your 2021 tax return, government-issued ID, proof of business organization or tax exemption, professional licensing (if applicable), and proof of location (for brick-and-mortar businesses).

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The BRITE Program

Cook County's Businesses Reducing Impact on the Environment Program

The Cook County BRITE program offers grants that help businesses reduce their environmental impact while creating a healthier environment for their employees, customers, and community by offering onsite assessments to reduce pollution. Your business may be eligible to receive a BRITE grant

Once an assessment has been completed (click here: https://tinyurl.com/BRITEsurvey), eligible businesses will have the opportunity to apply for grant funding. This funding will go towards solutions that save money, reduce impact on the environment, and modernize operations. Grants can be used towards toxics and pollution reduction, renewable energy, energy and water efficiency, as well as waste reduction projects identified during the assessment.

Currently, the BRITE program is available to small businesses with no more than 500 full-time employees in the following industries:  dry cleaning facilities, auto body and auto repair shops, metal finishers, and food and beverage manufacturers.

Cook County has allocated $10 million to launch the BRITE program and subsequent grant opportunities.

Click here to learn more:  Businesses Reducing Impact on the Environment (BRITE) Program (cookcountyil.gov)

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